CN114293864A

CN114293864A - Hinge assembly

Info

Publication number: CN114293864A
Application number: CN202111173786.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: N·沙班; S·V·帕瓦尔; Y·潘萨雷
Original assignee: Kohler Co
Current assignee: Kohler Co
Priority date: 2020-10-07
Filing date: 2021-10-08
Publication date: 2022-04-08
Anticipated expiration: 2041-10-08
Also published as: US20220106820A1; US11859426B2; CN114293864B

Abstract

A hinge system for a panel comprising: a first plate configured to be coupled to a structure; a second plate rotatably coupled to the first plate and disposed on a first side of the panel; a third plate disposed on a second side of the panel opposite the first side; and a slider disposed within the panel, the slider having a first slot disposed therein. The second plate is coupled to the third plate via at least one fastener, wherein the at least one fastener is configured to slide within the first slot of the slider such that the face plate can translate relative to the second plate and the third plate.

Description

Hinge assembly

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims benefit and priority from indian provisional patent application No. 202011043601 filed on 7/10/2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Background

The present disclosure relates generally to adjustable hinge assemblies for pivoting panels and/or doors.

Generally, the pivoting panels or doors belong to the last installation of the structure and therefore must accommodate any previous defects, which are generally non-perpendicular. Thus, it is desirable to shim and/or use a separate structure to enable one or more panels or doors in the doorframe to properly pivot and seat, if not perpendicular. Such temporary approaches introduce design limitations and often require multiple trial and error to obtain a functional solution. Alternative methods typically require the use of flexible joints and/or materials to adjust the non-vertical condition; however, these methods are again prone to fatigue and do not provide a durable, long-term solution. There are also other methods that use hinges that extend along the hinged length of the panel or door, with overlapping structural members that are adjustable relative to each other, which create functional and aesthetic drawbacks.

It would therefore be beneficial to provide an improved hinge that is suitable for pivoting panels and/or that can be easily adjusted to accommodate non-vertical conditions.

Disclosure of Invention

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a hinge. The hinge comprises: a first plate; a second plate rotatably coupled to the first plate at a joint; a third plate disposed substantially parallel to the second plate; and a slider disposed between the second plate and the third plate, the slider having a first slot disposed therein. The second plate is coupled to the third plate via at least one fastener, wherein the at least one fastener is configured to slide within the first slot of the slider.

In various embodiments, the second plate is rotatably coupled to the first plate via an arm extending from the first plate. In some embodiments, the second plate includes a receiving portion disposed at an end of the second plate closest to the joint, wherein the receiving portion is configured to connect with the arm of the first plate to form the joint. In other embodiments, the joint includes a damper to control rotation at the joint. In other embodiments, the third plate includes a second slot disposed therethrough, wherein the slider includes a tab, and wherein the tab is configured to fit within the second slot. In various embodiments, the slider includes a frame, the first slot is defined by the frame, and wherein the tab is disposed within a top portion of the frame. In some embodiments, the at least one fastener comprises two fasteners, wherein the width of the second slot corresponds to the distance between the two fasteners.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a hinge system for a panel. The hinge system for a panel includes: a first plate configured to be coupled to a structure; a second plate rotatably coupled to the first plate and disposed on a first side of the panel; a third plate disposed on a second side of the panel opposite the first side; and a slider disposed within the panel, the slider having a first slot disposed therein. The second plate is coupled to the third plate via at least one fastener, wherein the at least one fastener is configured to slide within the first slot of the slider such that the face plate can translate relative to the second plate and the third plate.

In various embodiments, the system further includes a first gasket disposed between the second plate and the faceplate and a second gasket disposed between the third plate and the faceplate. In some embodiments, the second plate includes a receiving portion configured to fit within the recess of the panel. In other embodiments, the second plate further comprises a boss feature configured to receive the at least one fastener. In other embodiments, the third plate includes a second slot disposed therethrough, wherein the slider includes a tab, and wherein the tab is configured to fit within the second slot. In various embodiments, the position of the tab indicates the position of the panel. In some embodiments, the system further comprises at least one stop, wherein the second plate is configured to receive the at least one stop, the at least one stop configured to prevent abrasive (abrasive) contact between the second plate and the first plate. In other embodiments, the at least one stop includes a first stop and a second stop, the first stop being received at the first end of the second plate and the second stop being received at the second end of the second plate. In other embodiments, the system further comprises a cover assembly having a first cover configured to conceal the first plate; a second cover configured to conceal the second plate; and a third cover configured to conceal the third plate. In various embodiments, at least one of the first, second, or third covers is coupled to the first, second, or third plates, respectively, via a snap-fit connection.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of installing a panel. The method includes inserting a slider into the panel; positioning a first plate on a first side of a panel; positioning a second plate on a second side of the panel; and coupling the second plate to the first plate using at least one fastener, wherein the at least one fastener is configured to pass through and slide relative to a slot in the slider.

In various embodiments, the method further comprises positioning the panel relative to the first panel and the second panel. In some embodiments, the method further comprises tightening the at least one fastener after positioning the panel.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

Drawings

The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable hinge coupled to a pivoting door according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adjustable hinge of FIG. 1 adjacent the glides;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a slider configured to fit within the adjustable hinge of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of an outer panel and an anchor panel for the adjustable hinge of FIG. 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective exploded view of the adjustable hinge of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a portion of a pivoting door having a cutout configured to assemble the slider of FIG. 3 and the adjustable hinge of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an outer plate of the adjustable hinge of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a stop within the adjustable hinge of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an adjustable hinge according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an adjustable hinge having a coupled lid assembly according to another exemplary embodiment.

Detailed Description

Before referring to the drawings that illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the detailed description or illustrated in the drawings. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to an adjustable hinge assembly configured to couple a pivoting door or panel to a wall, doorframe, or other fixed structure. In various embodiments, the hinge assembly may include an inner plate and an outer plate, the outer plate configured to be coupled to the inner plate via two or more support fasteners extending from the inner plate, through the door or panel, and into the outer plate. The hinge assembly may also include a slider configured to fit within the door or panel and having a first slot disposed therethrough. In various embodiments, the hinge assembly may be mounted within a glass panel, and the slider may protect the glass from abrasive contact (e.g., metal contact with an outer plate boss feature or the like) and may provide a low friction surface to facilitate sliding across the interface. The hinge assembly is configured such that a support fastener coupling the inner plate to the outer plate passes through and is supported within the first slot of the slider. The first slot of the slider may have a length that is greater than the width of the outer panel boss feature such that the slider (and thus the door or panel) may be adjusted relative to the inner and outer panels to accommodate different assembly conditions and/or non-perpendicular conditions. The boss feature is configured to fit within the first slot of the slider. The outer panel may have a length greater than the length of the inner panel such that the outer panel extends to the edge of the door or panel closest to the structure. The outer panel edge closest to the structure may be rotatably coupled to an anchor panel at a joint, which may be secured to the structure via a plurality of fasteners. The position of the door or panel relative to the hinge may be adjusted by loosening the support fasteners coupling the inner panel to the outer panel such that the door or panel may be laterally repositioned relative to the inner and outer panels via sliders disposed within the panel (e.g., using a hand tool, turning the entire panel to a desired alignment position, etc.). Once repositioned, the door or panel may be secured in place by tightening the support fasteners so that the panel is secured between the inner and outer panels at the desired location.

In various embodiments, the inner plate may include a second slot disposed above the support fastener. The second slot may be configured to receive an indicator tab coupled to the slider such that lateral adjustment of the panel within the first slot of the slider relative to and facilitated by the boss feature may be indicated by a respective position of the slider indicator tab within the second slot.

In various embodiments, the joint formed by the rotatable coupling of the outer panel and the anchor panel may be disposed within a cutout or recess of the door or panel. In various embodiments, the outer panel may have a protruding lip that is supported within a cutout or recess of the door or panel.

In various embodiments, the inner panel may include one or more gaskets disposed along a perimeter of the inner panel between the inner panel and the panel or the door such that the inner panel is supported on the door or panel by compression of the gaskets resulting from tightening of the fasteners. In various embodiments, the outer panel may include one or more washers disposed between the outer panel and the panel or door such that the outer panel is supported on the door or panel by compression of the washers resulting from tightening of the fasteners. In various embodiments, one or more gaskets may protect the panel or door from abrasive contact (e.g., contact with a support fastener, contact with the inner and/or outer panels, etc.).

In various embodiments, the hinge assembly may include one or more cover assemblies, wherein the one or more cover assemblies may include, but are not limited to, an inner cover, an outer cover, and a door side cover. In various embodiments, an inner cover may be fitted over the inner plate to conceal the support fasteners, slider indicator tabs, and washers. In various embodiments, an inner cover may be fitted over the outer plate to conceal the support fasteners. In various embodiments, a door-side cover may be fitted over an anchor plate to conceal fasteners disposed therein. In various embodiments, the cover assembly can be customized or selected to fit a particular aesthetic finish (e.g., chrome finish, sparkle, matte black, different colors and/or gloss, etc.).

The present disclosure provides an adjustable hinge assembly that is capable of adjusting a pivoting door or panel on the side of a hinge coupled to the door or panel. Adjusting the position of the door or panel at the side of the hinge coupling enables the door or panel to be finally installed into the structure, separate from the hinge itself. Thus, the door or panel may be installed in the correct position upon initial coupling, which prevents potential risk of damage from an opposite side impact (e.g., impact of the door or panel against a door jamb, door sill, and/or surrounding structural frame). In addition, the adjustable hinge assembly facilitates adjustment of the door or panel relative to the hinge without the need for repeated or repeated repositioning or adjustment, which is often required for conventional mounting methods for pivoting doors or panels that frequently involve the addition of shims and/or other side posts or adjustment of the mounting side. The adjustable hinge assembly also provides design flexibility in that the adjustable hinge can be configured to accommodate a variety of pivoting panels or doors without the need for a full length hinge or protruding components to correct out of plumb conditions or to accommodate different assembly conditions. Thus, an adjustable hinge assembly is provided that enables simple, intuitive, and streamlined installation/adjustment of a pivoting door or panel with minimal risk of pivoting the door or panel.

Referring generally to the drawings, an adjustable hinge assembly may be configured to couple a pivoting door or panel (hereinafter "panel") to a wall, frame or other structure (hereinafter "structure"). The hinge assembly may include an inner panel, an outer panel, and an anchor panel. The anchor sheet may be configured to receive a plurality of fasteners to couple the anchor sheet to a structure. An outer panel rotatably coupled to the anchor panel at a joint is positioned on a side of the panel opposite the inner panel. In various alternative embodiments, the configuration may be interchanged such that the inner panel is rotatably coupled to the anchor panel at the joint and positioned on the side of the panel opposite the outer panel. The inner and outer panels may be coupled via a support fastener that extends from the inner panel through a cutout in the panel to the outer panel, or vice versa. The cutout is sized such that the length of the cutout is greater than the width of the boss feature, and the plate supporting the fastener and coupling enables the panel to be adjusted relative to the hinge to accommodate different assembly conditions and/or non-vertical conditions of the structure when the boss feature is loosened. Alternatively, the hinge assembly may be loosely coupled to the panel during installation of the panel to allow the panel to be adjusted to a desired position, after which the hinge may be anchored to the structure. Once the panel is properly positioned and the hinge anchor panel is secured, the support fasteners can be tightened to secure the panel relative to the hinge. In various embodiments, this adjustability can simplify panel installation (e.g., requiring a single or minimal number of installation attempts). For example, the hinge may enable the panel to be mounted equidistant from the floor by supporting the panel using one or more spacers or mounting blocks of equal height.

In various embodiments, the hinge assembly may further include a slider configured to fit within the cutout in the panel and having a slot disposed therethrough. A slide that can be press-fit (press-fit) into a cutout in the panel can include one or more low friction materials to facilitate easy adjustment of the hinge assembly relative to the panel. The hinge assembly is configured such that a support fastener coupling the inner plate to the outer plate passes through and is supported within a slot of the slider. The slot in the slider may have a length that is greater than the width of the boss feature such that the fastener (and thus the inner and outer plates) may be adjusted relative to the panel to accommodate different assembly conditions and/or non-perpendicular conditions. In various embodiments, the slot in the slider may correspond to a width equal to the boss feature and the panel cutout may have a length greater than the length of the slider, which enables adjustment of the panel relative to the hinge assembly (including the slider) to accommodate different assembly conditions.

In various embodiments, the inner or outer plate may include a second slot disposed above the support fastener. In various embodiments, the slider may include an indicator tab disposed on the top of the slider. In various embodiments, the indicator tab may be coupled to the slider. In other embodiments, the indicator tab may be integrally formed within the slider. In various embodiments, the second slot may be configured to receive the indicator tab such that lateral adjustment of the panel about the boss feature may be indicated by a respective position of the slider indicator tab within the second slot.

In various embodiments, the outer panel may have a length greater than the length of the inner panel such that the outer panel extends to the edge of the door or panel closest to the structure. As previously described, the outer panel edge closest to the structure may be rotatably coupled to the anchor panel at a joint. In various embodiments, the joint formed by the rotatable coupling of the outer panel and the anchor panel may be disposed within an edge cut or recess in the panel. In various embodiments, the outer panel may have a protruding lip that is supported within an edge cutout or recess in the door or panel. In various embodiments, the tab and the protruding lip may be integrally formed. In various embodiments, the outer plate and anchor plate are rotatably coupled via a press-fit assembly or one or more fasteners and comprise a wear-resistant and low-friction material that facilitates axial rotation about the joint. In various embodiments, the outer panel and the anchor panel are configured to engage one another such that the outer panel is rotatable relative to the anchor panel.

In various embodiments, the inner panel may include one or more gaskets or shims disposed between the inner panel and the panel or door along a perimeter of the inner panel such that the inner panel is supported on the door or panel by the one or more gaskets or shims. In various embodiments, the outer panel may include one or more washers or shims disposed between the outer panel and the panel or door such that the outer panel is supported on the door or panel by the one or more washers or shims. In various embodiments, the one or more gaskets or shims may comprise one or more elastic or viscoelastic materials.

In various embodiments, a hinge assembly may be coupled to a cover assembly, wherein the cover assembly may include an inner cover, an outer cover, and a door-side cover. In various embodiments, the inner cover may be configured to fit over the exterior of the inner plate to conceal the exposed portions of the support fastener, the slider indicator tab, and the washer. In various embodiments, the outer cover may be configured to fit over the exterior of the outer panel to conceal the exposed portions of the support fasteners and/or the exposed portions configured to receive or engage features of the support fasteners. In various embodiments, the door-side cover may be configured to be fitted over an exterior of the anchor plate to conceal exposed portions of the fasteners disposed therein. In various embodiments, the cap assembly can be customized or selected for a closure assembly to fit a particular aesthetic finish (e.g., chrome finish, sparkle, matte black, different colors and/or gloss). In various embodiments, the cover assembly may be coupled to the inner plate, the outer plate, and the anchor plate via a press-fit or snap-fit connection. In various embodiments, at least one of the outer panel, inner panel, and anchor panel may have a particular aesthetic finish (e.g., chrome finish, matte, etc.) in which portions of the fasteners disposed therein remain unexposed such that a cover assembly is not required.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an adjustable hinge 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in fig. 1, hinge 100 facilitates coupling of panel 10 to a structure (e.g., a frame, a wall, etc.) via anchor panel 105. Anchor sheet 105 may be attached to a structure via a plurality of fasteners 110 (e.g., screws, nails, etc.). In various embodiments, the panel 10 may be a pivoting panel or a door. In various embodiments, the panel 10 may be a pivoting glass panel or door, such as for a shower. The panel 10 may be any type of panel or door configured for pivotal movement, for example, for use in a home or building. Although FIG. 1 illustrates hinge 100 having three fasteners 110, in various embodiments, hinge 100 may include any number of fasteners 110 for attaching anchor sheet 105 to a structure. As shown, anchor plate 105 is rotatably coupled to outer plate 125 at joint 113, which joint 113 is formed by engagement of arms 115 of anchor plate 105 with receivers (e.g., lips) 120 of outer plate 125. In various embodiments, the receiving portion 120 is disposed proximate to one end of the outer panel 125 (and the joint 113), the outer panel 125 being located proximate to an edge of the panel 10 when the hinge 100 is coupled to the panel 10. In various embodiments, arms 115 and receivers 120 are coupled to one another via a press-fit mounting by fasteners or pins about which outer plate 125 may rotate relative to anchor plate 105. In various embodiments, the arm 115 and the receptacle 120 may have a low friction or wear resistant material (e.g., a bushing) disposed therebetween. In various embodiments, the arm 115 and the receptacle 120 may be interconnected to form a rotatable coupling at the joint 113. In various embodiments, joint 113 may include one or more rotational dampers, enabling the rotation of hinge 100 to be controlled at joint 113.

As shown, the outer panel 125 is disposed on the side of the panel 10 opposite the inner panel 130. The outer plate 125 and the inner plate 130 are substantially parallel. The inner plate 130 may be coupled to the outer plate 125 through the panel 10 via support fasteners 135. Although fig. 1 illustrates 2 fasteners 135, in various embodiments, the hinge 100 may include any number of fasteners 135 to attach the outer panel to the inner panel. In various embodiments, the support fasteners 135 may be screws, bolts, or the like, which may be selectively tightened/loosened, and which have a sufficient length to pass through the inner plate 130 and the panel 10 to engage the outer plate 125. The support fasteners 135 may pass through cutouts in the panel 10 such that when the support fasteners 135 are sufficiently loosened, the panel 110 or the sliders 140 and the

link plates

125 and 130 can be caused to move laterally. As shown, the hinge 100 includes a slider 140 disposed within (i.e., within the cutout of) the panel 10, the slider 140 including a recess on which a support fastener (e.g., contained within a boss feature of the outer panel 125) may be supported when passing through the cutout of the panel 10.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the hinge 100 proximate the inner plate 130 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the inner plate 130 may interface with one or more gaskets 145 disposed between the inner plate 130 and the panel 10, which help support the inner plate cover to the inner plate. In various embodiments, one or more gaskets 145 may be disposed along the perimeter of the inner plate 130. In various embodiments, the gasket 145 may form a continuous or contiguous gasket portion disposed along the perimeter of the inner plate 130. In various embodiments, the outer plate 125 may include a continuous gasket or a plurality of gaskets similar or equivalent to the gasket 145 to help support the outer plate relative to the panel 10.

In various embodiments, at least one of the inner plate 130 and the outer plate 125 can include one or more apertures (apertures) 147 configured to facilitate supporting and/or coupling one or more plate covers to the inner plate 130 and/or the outer plate 125. Although FIG. 2 illustrates the inner plate 130 having four apertures 147, in various embodiments, the inner plate 130 and/or the outer plate 125 can include any number of apertures 147.

As shown in fig. 2, the inner plate 130 includes a slot 150 disposed above the support fastener 130. The slot 150 may be configured to receive a portion of the slider 140 such that lateral adjustment of the panel 10 relative to the hinge 100 may be visually indicated by a corresponding lateral position of the slider 140 within the slot 150. As shown, the width 155 of the slot 150 may be the same as the width 157 between the support fasteners 135 or less than the width 157 between the support fasteners 135. In contrast, as previously described, the length of the slot 150 in the slider 140 may be greater than the width 157 between the support fasteners 135.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a slider 140 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the slider 140 includes an outer frame portion 160 that defines a slot 165. The slider 140 is configured to fit within the cutout of the panel 10 such that the frame portion 160 (or the outer edge of the frame portion 160) interfaces and/or engages the perimeter of the cutout in the panel 10. Thus, when the slider 140 is positioned within the panel 10, the slider 140 remains fixed relative to the panel 10.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective exploded view of outer panel 125 and anchor panel 105 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the outer plate 125 may include a boss feature 172, the boss feature 172 configured to receive the support fastener 135. Additionally, the slot 165 within the slider 140 may be configured to receive the boss feature 172 of the outer plate 125 such that the support fastener 135 may pass through the inner plate 130, the slot 165, and into the boss feature 172, thereby facilitating coupling of the inner plate 130 to the outer plate 125. In various embodiments, the boss feature 172 on the outer plate 125 and the slot 165 of the slider 140 can be sized large enough to create a clamping force on the panel 10 or to prevent the panel 10 from clamping at the interface between the boss feature 172 and the slot 165. In various embodiments, the panel 10 may have different thicknesses. In some embodiments, the boss feature 172 may be made of or coated with one or more friction resistant materials to facilitate sliding within the slot 165.

As shown in FIG. 4, outer plate 125 and anchor plate 105 may be rotatably coupled via pins 174 and/or bushings 176, and pins 174 and/or bushings 176 may be configured to engage arms 115 of anchor plate 105 and receivers 120 of outer plate 125.

In various embodiments, the slider 140 may include one or more frictionless or low friction materials to facilitate easy lateral movement of the boss feature 172 therein. As shown, the slider 140 includes an indicator tab 170 located at the top of the slider 140. In various embodiments, the indicator tab 170 can be coupled to the frame portion 160 of the slider 140. In various embodiments, the indicator tab 170 may be integrally formed with the frame portion 160. As best shown in fig. 2 and 3, the indicator tab 170 may fit within the slot 150 of the inner plate 135 such that the position of the indicator tab 170 indicates the amount of lateral movement of the support fastener 135 within the slot 165 resulting from adjustment of the panel 10 relative to the hinge 100. In various embodiments, the indicator tab 170 may be used to enable the hinge 100 to be adjusted relative to the panel 10. In some embodiments, the indicator tab 170 may be pried (levered) by a tool (e.g., a screwdriver) to laterally move the slider 140, and thus the panel 10, relative to the boss feature 172, which may result in adjusting the hinge 100 relative to the panel.

Fig. 5 shows a perspective exploded view of the hinge 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the hinge 100 may include one or more additional washers and/or spacers adjacent to at least one of the outer plate 125 and the inner plate 130. As shown, a gasket 145 may be disposed between the inner plate 130 and the panel 10 to provide support and/or prevent abrasive contact therebetween. As shown, the washer 145 may include one or more cutouts or apertures 146 disposed therethrough, wherein the apertures 146 are formed in a shape that is substantially complementary to the fastener 135 and/or the indicator tab 170. In various embodiments, a gasket 178 may be disposed between the outer plate 125 and the panel 10 to help support and/or prevent abrasive contact therebetween. As shown, the gasket 178 may include an elongated opening 177 that may be complementary in shape to the boss feature 172, and a cover portion 179; the cover portion is complementary in shape and configured to interface with the receiving portion 120 of the outer plate 125.

In various embodiments, the hinge 100 may include a slider shim 180, the slider shim 180 configured to fit within the slot 165 of the slider 140. In various embodiments, the support fastener 135 can pass through the slider shim 180 (e.g., through one or more holes or apertures formed therethrough) such that the slider shim 180 supports the slider 140. As shown, the slider pad 180 may further include a cutout or recess 181 disposed on an upper portion of the slider pad 180, wherein the recess 181 is configured to accommodate sliding movement of the indicator tab 170. In addition, the slider shim 180 may ensure adequate contact between the top surface of the slider 140 and the panel 10 while maintaining a gap between the outer and

inner washers

178, 145, which enables the slider 140 (and thus the panel 10) to move substantially freely laterally relative to the inner and

outer plates

125, 130, respectively, without the need for compression friction. In various embodiments, the slider pad 180 can be configured to move relative to the slot 165 of the slider 140 to facilitate adjustment of the panel relative to the hinge 100.

Fig. 6 illustrates a side representation view of the panel 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the panel 10 includes a cutout 182 (e.g., slot, hole, aperture), the cutout 182 configured to receive the slider 140. In various embodiments, the slider 140 may be coupled to the panel 10 via a press-fit or snap-fit such that the outer frame 160 of the slider 140 interfaces or engages the perimeter of the cutout 182. As shown in fig. 6, the cutout 182 has a height 183 and a width 184 corresponding to the height and width, respectively, of the outer frame 160 of the slider 140.

As shown in fig. 6, the panel 10 may include a second edge cutout or recess 185, the second edge cutout or recess 185 being adjacent to a structure along an edge of the panel 10 to which the panel 10 may be coupled. The recess 185 may be configured to receive the joint 113 such that a perimeter of the recess 185 engages, interfaces with, and/or supports the receiving portion 120 of the outer plate 125. In various embodiments, the receiving portion 120 of the outer plate 125 may be press-fit or snap-fit into the recess 185.

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of an outer plate 125 according to an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments, hinge 100 may include one or more stops and/or dampers that may be used between outer panel 125 and anchor panel 105 to avoid grinding (e.g., metal on metal) or other damaging contact between components of hinge 100. In various embodiments, the stop or damper may comprise one or more elastic or viscoelastic materials. As shown in fig. 7, outer plate 125 may be configured to receive

stops

187 and 190 at ends 192 and 194, respectively. In various embodiments, stops 187 and 190 are configured to prevent abrasive, vibrational (e.g., noise), or other damaging contact between components of hinge 100 (e.g., between outer panel 125 and arm 115 and/or anchor panel 105) when hinge 100 is in the closed and open positions, respectively. For example, stop 187 may prevent lossy contact between outer panel 125 and anchor panel 105, and stop 190 may prevent lossy contact between outer panel 125 and arm 115. As shown in fig. 8, stops 187 and 190 may include

pressing elements

196 and 198, respectively,

pressing elements

196 and 198 being configured to engage and be coupleable with outer plate 125 (e.g., via a press-fit or friction-fit).

Fig. 9 and 10 illustrate perspective views of a hinge 100 according to various exemplary embodiments. As shown, the hinge 100 may include a lid assembly having an anchor plate lid 210, an inner lid 215, and an outer lid 220. To conceal exposed components within hinge 100, anchor plate cover 210, inner cover 215, and outer cover 220 may be coupled to an exterior of anchor plate 105, an exterior of inner plate 130, and an exterior of outer plate 125, respectively. In various embodiments, each of the anchor plate cover 210, the inner cover 215, and the outer cover 220 may be configured to be coupled to the anchor plate 105, the inner plate 130, and the outer plate 125, respectively, by a press-fit or snap-fit via the apertures 147 in the plates. In various embodiments, each of the anchor plate cover 210, the inner plate 130, and the outer plate 125 can include a protruding feature (e.g., a ridge or rim) along the inner edge to facilitate coupling of components within the hinge 100. In various embodiments, the lid assembly may conceal components within the hinge 100 that have recesses, different surfaces, crevices, etc. (e.g., fastener heads) that may be difficult or time consuming to clean. In various embodiments, the lid assembly may provide aesthetic benefits and may be customized based on the desired appearance of the hinge 100. As shown in fig. 9, the cover assembly may include an anchor plate cover 210 having a smooth black finish, an inner cover 215, and an outer cover 220. As shown in fig. 10, the cap assembly may include an anchor plate cap 210 having chrome-plated surfaces, an inner cap 215, and an outer cap 220. Embodiments of the lid assembly may have any other desired aesthetic finish known in the art.

Thus, when coupling panel 10 to a structure is accomplished with hinge 100, slider 140 may be inserted (e.g., via a press-fit, snap-fit, etc.) into cutout 182 of panel 10. As previously described, the slider 140 remains stationary relative to the panel 10 as the slider 140 is inserted into the panel 10. The inner and

outer plates

130, 125 may be coupled together by the panel 10 via support fasteners 135, and the support fasteners 135 may engage boss features 172 on the outer plate 125 and pass through slots 165 in the slider 140. Outer panel 125 may be coupled to anchor panel 105 (via arms 115), and anchor panel 105 may be coupled to a structure prior to coupling inner panel 130 to outer panel 125. As the panel 10 moves (i.e., as the hinge 100 articulates), the indicator tab 170 (which is disposed within the slot 150 and articulates laterally relative to the slot 150) indicates lateral movement of the panel 10 within the slot 165, and thus indicates the adjusted position of the panel 10 relative to the hinge 100. As the inner plate 130 and the outer plate 125 are coupled to each other, the receiving portion 120 of the outer plate 125 may be positioned within the recess 185 of the panel 10 and engaged with the recess 185 of the panel 10. Anchor sheet 105 may also be coupled to a structure via fasteners 110. Finally, to adjust for a potential non-plumb condition of the panel 10 and structure, the indicator tab 170 of the slider 140 may be used to indicate movement of the panel 10 relative to the boss feature 172, and thus adjustment of the panel 10 relative to the hinge 100. After the panel 10 and hinge 100 have been properly adjusted to correct the assembled condition and/or the non-perpendicular condition, the support fasteners 135 may be tightened so that the inner and

outer plates

130, 125 apply a force to the panel 10 to hold the panel 10 in the adjusted position. If repositioning of the panel 10 is desired, the support fasteners 135 can be loosened and the panel 10 can be repositioned relative to the hinge 100 by sliding the panel 10 relative to the boss features 172. Thus, the hinge 100 may be installed within a structure and loosely coupled to the panel 10. The problem of correcting the non-perpendicular condition can then be solved by articulating the hinge 100, articulating the hinge 100 so that the panel 10 slides relative to the hinge 100 components (via the slider 140) thereby correcting the non-perpendicular condition, and adjusting (i.e., tightening) the support fastener 135 to maintain the panel 10 in the corrected position.

While the embodiments described above and illustrated in fig. 1-10, various modifications and coverage of these embodiments are also contemplated and considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and the like with respect to a range of values generally refer to ± 10% of the value of the disclosure, unless otherwise specified. As used herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and the like with respect to a structural feature (e.g., to describe shape, size, orientation, direction, relative position, etc.) are intended to encompass minor variations in structure that result from, for example, manufacturing or assembly processes, etc., and are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with commonly used and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Accordingly, these terms should be construed as insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations to the described and claimed subject matter, which are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

It should be noted that the term "exemplary" and variations thereof used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily specific or best examples).

The term "coupled" and its variants as used herein means that two members are directly or indirectly associated with each other. Such coupling may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed), or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved by joining the two members directly to one another, with either a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members joined to one another to join the two members to one another, or with an intervening member integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If "coupled" or variants thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of the term "coupled" provided above is modified by the plain language semantics of the additional term (e.g., "directly coupled" means that two members are joined without any separate intervening members), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of the term "coupled" provided above. This coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluid.

The reference positions (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," and "below") of elements herein are used merely to describe the orientation of the various components in the figures. It should be noted that according to other exemplary embodiments, the orientation of the various components may be different, and such orientation variations are intended to be included in the present disclosure.

Unless otherwise indicated above, although the method steps may be illustrated in a particular order in the drawings and detailed description, the order of the steps may differ from that depicted and described. Further, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless stated otherwise above.

It is important to note that: any element disclosed in one embodiment may be combined with or used by any other embodiment disclosed herein. For example, at least the lid assembly of the exemplary embodiment described in paragraph [0050] may be combined with at least the hinge 100 of the exemplary embodiment described in paragraph [0037 ]. Although the above describes an example of one element of only one embodiment as being used in or with another embodiment, it should be understood that other elements of the various embodiments may be used in or with any other embodiment disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A hinge, comprising:

a first plate;

a second plate rotatably coupled to the first plate at a joint;

a third plate disposed substantially parallel to the second plate; and

a slider disposed between the second plate and the third plate, the slider having a first slot disposed therein;

wherein the second plate is coupled to the third plate via at least one fastener, and wherein the at least one fastener is configured to slide within the first slot of the slider.

2. The hinge of claim 1, wherein the second plate is rotatably coupled to the first plate via an arm extending from the first plate.

3. The hinge of claim 2, wherein the second plate includes a receiving portion disposed at an end of the second plate closest to the joint, and wherein the receiving portion is configured to connect with the arm of the first plate to form a joint.

4. The hinge of claim 3, wherein the joint includes a damper to control rotation at the joint.

5. The hinge of claim 1, wherein the third plate includes a second slot disposed therethrough, wherein the slider includes a tab, and wherein the tab is configured to fit within the second slot.

6. The hinge of claim 5, wherein the slider includes a frame, the first slot being defined by the frame, and wherein the tab is disposed within a top portion of the frame.

7. The hinge of claim 5, wherein the at least one fastener comprises two fasteners, and wherein the width of the second slot corresponds to a distance between the two fasteners.

8. A hinge system for a panel, comprising:

a first plate configured to be coupled to a structure;

a second plate rotatably coupled to the first plate and disposed on a first side of the panel;

a third plate disposed on a second side of the panel opposite the first side; and

a slider disposed within the panel, the slider having a first slot disposed therein;

wherein the second plate is coupled to the third plate via at least one fastener, and wherein the at least one fastener is configured to slide within the first slot of the slider such that the face plate is translatable relative to the second plate and the third plate.

9. The hinge system of claim 8, further comprising a first gasket and a second gasket, the first gasket disposed between the second plate and the face plate, and the second gasket disposed between the third plate and the face plate.

10. The hinge system of claim 8, wherein the second plate includes a receiving portion configured to fit within a recess of the panel.

11. The hinge system of claim 10, wherein the second plate further comprises a boss feature configured to receive the at least one fastener.

12. The hinge system of claim 8, wherein the third plate includes a second slot disposed therethrough, wherein the slider includes a tab, and wherein the tab is configured to fit within the second slot.

13. The hinge system of claim 12, wherein the position of the tab indicates the position of the panel.

14. The hinge system of claim 8, further comprising at least one stop, wherein the second plate is configured to receive the at least one stop, the at least one stop configured to prevent abrasive contact between the second plate and the first plate.

15. The hinge system of claim 14, wherein the at least one stop comprises a first stop and a second stop, the first stop being received at a first end of the second plate and the second stop being received at a second end of the second plate.

16. The hinge system of claim 8, further comprising a lid assembly, the lid assembly comprising:

a first cover configured to conceal the first plate;

a second cover configured to conceal the second plate; and

a third cover configured to conceal the third plate.

17. The hinge system of claim 16, wherein at least one of the first cover, the second cover, or the third cover is coupled to the first plate, the second plate, or the third plate, respectively, via a snap-fit connection.

18. A method of installing a panel, comprising:

inserting the slider into the panel;

positioning a first plate on a first side of the panel;

positioning a second plate on a second side of the panel; and

coupling the second plate to the first plate using at least one fastener, wherein the at least one fastener is configured to slide through and relative to a slot in the slider.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising positioning the panel relative to the first and second panels.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising tightening the at least one fastener after positioning the panel.